127th Indiana Regiment / 12th Indiana Cavalry in the American Civil War

Overview

The 127th Indiana Regiment, also known as the 12th Indiana Cavalry, was organized at Kendallville, Indiana, during the winter of 1863 and mustered into United States service on March 1, 1864. Serving as a cavalry regiment for the Union Army, it operated primarily in the Western Theater, with notable service in Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. The regiment was distinguished by its dual role in both mounted and dismounted operations, engaging in railroad defense, skirmishes with guerrilla forces, and major campaigns in the latter part of the Civil War.

This regiment is sometimes referenced as the 12th Indiana Cavalry. It should not be confused with other Indiana infantry or cavalry units of different designations.

Organization & Service

The 127th Indiana Regiment (12th Indiana Cavalry) was organized at Kendallville and mustered in on March 1, 1864. The regiment left Indiana on May 6, 1864, for Nashville, Tennessee, where it was equipped. At this time, only six companies were mounted. The mounted companies, under Lieutenant Colonel Alfred Reed, proceeded overland to Huntsville, Alabama, while the unmounted companies, under Colonel Edward Anderson, traveled by rail.

The regiment was assigned to railroad defense duty along the line from Decatur to Paint Rock, Alabama. The dismounted companies, led by Major Orris Blake, were tasked with defending and constructing blockhouses, while the mounted companies engaged in anti-guerrilla operations, participating in numerous skirmishes and minor engagements. Headquarters were later moved to Brownsboro, Alabama, where the regiment remained until September 15, 1864, before being ordered to Tullahoma, Tennessee. At Tullahoma, Colonel Anderson was assigned to command the post, with the regiment serving as the garrison. During Anderson’s absence on special service in Indianapolis, Major Blake assumed command.

While stationed at Tullahoma, the regiment engaged in several skirmishes with Confederate forces under General Forrest and with guerrilla bands. In October, Major Blake was detailed to Indianapolis as assistant to the acting assistant provost-marshal-general. Companies C, D, and H, stationed at Huntsville under Captain Williams, participated in the defense of that city against an attack by part of Forrest’s command, later rejoining the regiment at Tullahoma. The regiment moved to Murfreesboro on November 26, 1864, and participated in actions at Wilkinson’s Pike and Overall’s Creek, as well as other skirmishes around Murfreesboro in December. During this period, Colonel Anderson commanded the brigade, and Lieutenant Colonel Reed led the regiment.

After wintering at Nashville, the regiment was assigned to the 2nd Brigade, 7th Division, Cavalry Corps. On February 11, 1865, it began a movement toward New Orleans, disembarking temporarily at Vicksburg before proceeding to New Orleans and then to Mobile, Alabama. The regiment took part in the operations against Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely, with part of the unit serving as escort to Major General Canby and the remainder operating a courier line into Florida.

On April 17, 1865, the regiment participated in a cavalry raid of over 800 miles through Alabama and Georgia, ending at Columbus, Mississippi, on May 20. General Grierson commended the regiment for its discipline and gallantry. The regiment remained at Columbus until mid-July, when Colonel Anderson rejoined and moved with part of the unit to Grenada, Mississippi, establishing headquarters there. Companies D, K, and L, under Captain Graves, were sent to Austin for two months to protect government property before rejoining the regiment at Grenada and later moving to Vicksburg. The remaining companies, under Major Blake, stayed at Columbus on guard duty until October, when they also joined the regiment at Vicksburg. The 127th Indiana was mustered out of service on November 10, 1865.

Engagements & Campaigns

• Railroad defense duty from Decatur to Paint Rock, Alabama (1864)
• Skirmishes with guerrilla forces in Alabama and Tennessee (1864)
• Defense of Huntsville, Alabama (1864)
• Skirmishes at Tullahoma, Tennessee (1864)
• Wilkinson’s Pike and Overall’s Creek, near Murfreesboro, Tennessee (November–December 1864)
• Skirmishes around Murfreesboro, Tennessee (December 1864)
• Operations against Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely, Alabama (March–April 1865)
• Cavalry raid through Alabama and Georgia to Columbus, Mississippi (April–May 1865)
• Guard and garrison duty at Columbus, Grenada, Austin, and Vicksburg, Mississippi (1865)

Casualties

The original strength of the regiment was 1,261 men, with an additional 96 recruits, totaling 1,357. Losses by death numbered 168. There were 54 desertions and 7 men unaccounted for. Detailed breakdowns of killed, wounded, and died of disease are not specified in available primary sources.

Field Officers & Commanders

• Colonel Edward Anderson
• Lieutenant Colonel Alfred Reed
• Major Orris Blake
• Major Josiah B. Cobb
• Major William H. Calkins
• Major Willys G. Beck
• Captain Williams (commanded Companies C, D, and H at Huntsville)
• Captain Graves (commanded Companies D, K, and L at Austin)

Regimental Roster

The full roster of the 127th Indiana Regiment (12th Indiana Cavalry), including officers and enlisted men, is available for genealogical and historical research. The roster provides names, ranks, and service details for those who served in the regiment.

To view the complete roster, visit the 127th Indiana Regiment (12th Indiana Cavalry) Roster page.

Sources & References

• Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, various volumes and parts covering operations in Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana (1864–1865)
• Indiana Adjutant General’s Report
• Dyer, Frederick H., A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion
• Fox, William F., Regimental Losses in the American Civil War
• The Union Army, Federal Publishing Company, 1908, Volume 3